Got an email back from Skoda New Zealand a few days ago. They cannot order me a manual superb. It's a ridiculous situation being able to point out exactly what I want in a catalog and say "get me one of those" and the agents not be able to deliver it.

Next stop is waiting to see what the Octavia 3 will bring. Apparently they will be available with a manual box in NZ, for special order at least.

Commiserations. I know how much you wanted the manual.

I expect the Octy 3 to be a damn fine car. But it's still not going to be a superb. Might be 6 months before I know for certain.

Guess it's time to start looking at plan C, D and E just in case. Mondeo, CX-5 and not sure what comes next.

Very sad to note that they are not offering a manual in New Zealand. I have a 6 speed manual 1.8TSI Petrol Superb and loving every moment of it here in India.

That's bad news Kiwibacon - I know you really wanted a manual.

I guess there are no options to import one from another region?

That's bad news Kiwibacon - I know you really wanted a manual.

I guess there are no options to import one from another region?

I could still import a car from Ireland (to get the km/h speedo and manual box), but it's a distant second choice as I'd miss out on warranty and service options of a new car bought locally. At this stage it all depends on how much I like the Octy 3. Both these are still preferred over a Hyundai i40 (which I can buy new in manual here).

There is just one thing missing from the Superb that I would hope to get in a new Octavia. Bottle pockets in the front doors.